A league which had seen five different league winners in as many seasons, has now seen its sixth different Xpert International League winner in the past six seasons. This season it was FC Laranjas Podres who claimed the league title after an impressive season. Although FC Laranjas Podres claimed the league title, it was far from easy as they claimed the league title based on goal difference.

FC Laranjas Podres – Points: 29 Record: 9-2-3

Having claimed several cup titles in the previous years and having finished second, third and second in the previous three Xpert International seasons, FC Laranjas Podres were looking to final claim the league title as their own in Season 41. Having had a strong season, the league title came down to the final game as FC Laranjas Podres played Amarante Futebol Clube. Laranjas Podres were three points ahead with a much higher goal difference, so the league appeared to be all wrapped up, unless Laranjas Podres were completely blown away in the final match. A 1-0 win in favor of Amarante meant that the two clubs finished with equal points, however a plus twenty goal difference was enough to crown FC Laranjas Podres as Xpert International League winners. Not only did the club claim their first league title, they did so with the best offense in the league (30 goals) as well as the best defense in the league (conceding only 10 goals). The club were clearly the best team in Season 41 and were crowned champions for their efforts and fine form.

Amarante Futebol Clube – Points: 29 Record: 9-2-3

After claiming their first ever league title in Season 40, Amarante Futebol Clube were hoping to be the first Xpert International side to claim back-to-back league titles since Unwell FC in Season 31 and 32. Amarante came extremely close to claiming the league, however, in the end they fell just shy of the league title. After having lost the first two games of the season, things were not looking good for the defending champions, however, their form quickly changed as they finished the final twelve league matches with nine wins, two ties and only one loss. In the end the club finished strong and even managed to beat first place FC Laranjas Podres, but goal difference was not on their side as they finished with only plus eight and it was not enough to claim the league title again, however, the team had a great season and after coming so close to the league title, the club will be looking for better luck in Season 42.

Aalborg BK – Points: 28 Record: 8-4-2

Having gained promotion in Season 40 by winning Division 1b, Aalborg were making their Xpert International debut and can be very proud of how their season turned out. In their debut season, not only did Aalborg finish in third place, but they also finished with 28 points and were only one point behind the league leaders and even had a chance at claiming the league title in the final match if certain games went their way. In the end Aalborg won their final match, however, it was not enough for to finish in the top two. Third place and the team to have lost the least amount of matches in the Xpert International is not a bad way to end your debut season and with their current squad, there seems to be no reason why they can’t do just as well, if not a step better next season.

Gimo IF – Points: 21 Record: 6-3-5

Finishing second place in Season 40, expectations were high for Gimo as fans were expecting another strong season, and with the league winners constantly changes, some might have even considered Gimo as a club that could claim the league title. Gimo appeared to be in good shape as the league was coming to a close as after eleven matches the club had 21 points (6-3-2) and seemed poised for a strong finish, however, things did not end as the club would have liked. The last three matches ended with three defeats and could only create one chance in the final two matches as Gimo IF had to settle for a fourth place finish.

BK Hammarslag – Points: 18 Record: 5-3-6

A club with a rich history in the Xpert International League (having won the league title twice, the cup five times and the XCL on three occasions), BK Hammarslag were playing in the Xpert International League for the first time since Season 24 when the club finished seventh place. Many were thrilled to see such a historic club back in the Xpert International League and fans were happy to see the club back where they belonged. The club had a bit of a mixed Season 41, as heading into the final match, the club was only two points above the relegation zone. A final match day win was enough to see Hammarslag survive their first Xpert International Season in a while as the club looks to keep improving and return to the high level that allowed the club to become so successful.

Bon Temps Drainers – Points: 14 Record: 4-2-8

Having finished second place in Division 1b, Bon Temps Drainers were another club that was making their Xpert International League debut. After starting off the season with a record of 3-2-3 (11 points), the club headed into the final strength of the league needed a few more wins if they wanted to avoid relegation. In the end the Top Division was too much for the debutant club who ended the season with one win and five loses in their final six matches and in the end the club finished with only fourteen points and will be playing in Division 1 in Season 42 where the club hopes to make a quick return to the Top Flight.

Modson Media FC – Points: 11 Record: 3-2-9

After finishing fifth in Season 40, Modson Media could not do as well in Season 41 and struggled for most of the season. The club could not find a steady, strong run of form and finished the league with only eleven points and could not avoid the relegation zone and after finishing in seventh place in Season 41, the club will be playing in Division 1 in Season 42.

Zamalek S.C. – Points: 8 Record: 2-2-10

Having claimed their first league title in Season 38, Zamalek have been unable to repeat their league magic and finished fifth and fourth in the next two seasons. Season 41 was a season to forget for the former league champions as the club struggle to find their best form throughout the season and finished with only two wins and eight points. Struggling to get the results needed, Zamalek could not avoid the relegation zone and finished last place in the Xpert International League.

FC Barely Collected 13 suprised many by claiming the Xpert International League title in Season 39, however they were unable to enjoy any sort of success the following season as the club finished sixth place and were relegated. Having been placed in Division 1a, FC Barely Collected 13 finished first place and will once again be playing in the Xpert International League and will be looking to improve upon their Season 40 disappointment.

The Ramones failed to gain promotion to the Xpert International League in Season 40 after finishing in third place. This season, The Ramones managed to win Division 1b and have gained promotion to the Xpert International League for the first time in their history.

F.C. Interszili were placed in Division 1b and managed a second place finish. In order to gain promotion, F.C. Interszili had to defeat Lota IK in a playoff game. The match was close and with a goal from both teams, extra time was the only way the two teams could be seperated. A freekick goal in the 104th minute was enough to send Interszili to the Xpert International League for the first time in their history with a 2-1 vicotyr in the Division 1 playoff.

Xpert International Cup

Having won the Xpert International Cup title in Season 38 and 39, and finishing second place in Season 40, FC Laranjas Podres continued their cup dominance as the club claimed their third cup title in four seasons.

Semi-Finals

Heading into the semi-final draw, FC Laranjas Podres were the clear favorites, not only due to their recent cup success, but the club was the only of the four clubs left that were in the top flight with F.C. Interszili a Division 1b side, FCD in ADN a Division 2d side and FC Botosani XpertEleven a Division 4o side.

FC Laranjas Podres were drawn against F.C. Interszili and the match proved to be extremely close. Interszili managed to create two chances the entire match compared to FC Laranjas Podres’ one chance, however, in the end, that one chance was all FC Laranjas Podres needed to advance to the final. A 112 minute breakaway was the only goal that separated the two sides with many Interszili fans feeling unlucky for their side to be eliminated after only conceded one chance the entire 120 minutes.

In the other semi-final matchup, FC Botosani faced off against FCD in ADN. The match was close with very little to separate the two teams. A disallowed goal went against FCD in ADN in the third minute, however the club managed to get on the board in the 18th minute. It appeared that FCD in ADN would keep their lead, however a red card in the 82nd minute created an interesting end to the match. ACF in ADN doubled their lead in the 90th minute, and although Botosani scored a goal in the 92nd minute, it was not enough and a 2-1 score line set up a final between Laranjas Podres and FCD in ADN

Final

The final between Laranjas Podres and FCD in ADN was shaping up to be an interesting contest, however, in the end, the match was one-sided as Laranjas Podres showed their dominance. Goals in the 17th, and 37th minute allowed Laranjas Podres to enter the halftime break with a comfortable lead. The second half saw Laranjas continue to dominate the match as they added to their lead in the 86th minute and in the end a 3-0 victory crowned Laranjas Podres as yet again lifted the Xpert International Cup.

Xpert Champions League

After both Xpert International clubs failed to advance past the group stages of last season’s Xpert Champions League, FC Laranjas Podres and FCD in ADN will be hoping to do better. FC Laranjas Podres were placed in Group B alongside CFC Gun Crime, Gks Vitcovia Witkowo, and Rated Alcochete. FCD in ADN were placed in Group F alongside Gerrards Men, Glorious Bastards, and Homer X 11 FC. The first group games are set to be played on April 8th.

Manager Movement

The biggest news in the Job Center deals with Modson Media FC and manager AHanson. After failing to avoid relegation, manager AHanson resigned from the club at the end of March and the club are currently looking for a replacement manager.